Dr. Frank Steiner
Frank Steiner took up fly fishing when he arrived at Hillsdale in 1986 with the encouragement of friend Dan Sundahl, who reintroduced him to the sport. A wild crew that can include Chris McCourry, Bob Blackstock, Jim Holleman, Rev. Dan Johnson, Mark Richter, Jack Barker, or Nick York, join Steiner and Sundahl (“the mainstays”), who have waded the deep together many times, from the streams of Michigan to the rivers of Alaska.
LG: What is the most important element to the art of fly fishing?
FS: The most important element of fly fishing, I think, is to remember that you are casting the ‘line,’ and not the fly. If you remember that, then your technique will quickly improve.
LG: Who is the best fly fisherman among your group and why?
FS: Dan Sundahl, I think; he really gets into it, and tries to put his fly in the most appropriate area, with the least amount of drag. Quite an accomplishment for an English teacher, don’t you think?
LG: Is it true (hinted by Dr. Sundahl) that you have used a rare bear call while fishing in Alaska?
FS: Yes, my “secret” bear call, is a halfhearted whistle (as I am a terrible whistler), which was supposed to ward off any nearby bears. I am also an experienced hook extraction surgeon (just ask Dan what I mean by that!)
LG: Who believes they are the best fly fisherman of the group?
FS: Everyone (they think!), but especially Dan!
LG: What do fly fishing and Hillsdale have in common?
FS: NOTHING. That’s why I like it!
LG: Why is fly fishing an important American past time?
FS: Although fly fishing dates back to at least 100 – 200 AD (even the ancient Macedonians practiced fly fishing), the art of fly fishing was really developed in England; it came over with those that colonized America. It grew from there, so it is part of our culture as well, especially the New England and New York areas. So, it takes us back to our roots.
LG: What famous conservative figure would you say was probably a fly fisherman and why?
FS: I have no idea, but George Bush (Sr.) likes to fly fish. Ted Williams (the baseball player) was also an outstanding fly fisherman.
LG: What is the wildest incident that took place involving fly fishing?
FS: I caught a nice brown trout on a float trip down the Muskegon River with Dan Sundahl. The current was very strong and swept me into a big bush/tree on the bank and got my brand new fly rod tangled. I ended up breaking off the tip of my rod, after landing the fish, to get free and keep from being capsized, which nearly happened several times while I was fighting the fish. Also, “Halibut are big enough to pull you overboard,” (just ask Dan), well almost.
LG: What principles lay behind the art of fly fishing?
FS: There are a variety of principles involved, including everything from the weight of the line and the rod being used, to the types of flies (dry, wet, nymphs, etc.). You can’t learn everything at once, so just start by concentrating on one particular aspect and then pick up new techniques as you go along.